Ignoring motorcycle safety and awareness can be deadly

On behalf of McKnight, McKnight, McKnight & McKnight, Attorneys at Law posted in blog on Thursday, June 29, 2017.

Motorcycle safety and awareness work together to help keep motorcyclists safe from harm. When all motorists work together, many deaths and injuries might be prevented. This is very important since it isn't likely that motorcycles are going to be a thing of past anytime soon.

There are some facts about motorcycle crashes that might shock you. This is because they go against some assumptions that people have about bikers and motorcycle accidents.

Most bikers are safe drivers

Most bikers are safe drivers who know how to handle the motorcycle. In California, people who want to operate a motorcycle have to pass a written test and either a skills test or a course on motorcycle operation. This prevents people who have no idea about how to ride a motorcycle from legally riding in this state.

Other motorists are liable for most car vs motorcycle crashes

When there is a motorcycle and another vehicle in a crash, it is usually the other driver's fault. Other drivers failing to yield the right of way to the motorcyclist is a factor in around two-thirds of these crashes.

Motorcycles can be difficult to notice

The motorcycle awareness campaigns you see on television and billboards are trying to remind motorists to stay alert. Motorcycles have a small profile, which makes them difficult to see. When you add in other obstacles, such as shrubbery and other vehicles, it becomes even more difficult to spot motorcycles. One of the most dangerous places for a motorcyclist in an intersection.

Motorcyclists are more likely to be injured or killed

Motorcyclists don't have as much protection as a person in another motor vehicle. This puts them at an increased risk of being injured or killed. A motorcyclist is 26 times more likely to die in an accident and five times more likely to be injured in an accident than a person in regular car, truck, van or SUV.

Other drivers aren't the only hazard

Motorcyclists face many hazards on the road. The condition of the road is one of these. Loose rocks and other debris can lead to motorcycle crashes. Wobble accidents and defective components on the motorcycle can also lead to crashes.

When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident, seeking compensation from the person who caused the accident is often possible. This could be a driver who slammed into the motorcyclist or a manufacturer that produced a defective component. Determining who is liable and what damages occurred must occur in order for the filing of a claim for compensation to occur.

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